Our Services
Thornton Iron & Metal, Inc.
Why Choose Us?
We have continued to grow and prosper thanks to our amazing customer base. We offer A+ customer service and are here to serve you and offer the most competitive pricing available. We look forward to doing business with you. We are open to the public and businesses. Now is the perfect time to clean out your workshop, barn or garage, and earn some extra cash while cleaning up the environment. Be a part of the environmental solution! Recycle reusable scrap metal and turn your junk into cash!
Our mission is to provide a professional and affordable recycling collection service for businesses and institutions, as well as our drive-up customers, in the North Alabama area, with an emphasis on customer satisfaction. In order to do so, Thornton Iron & Metal, Inc. acts as its clients' recycling coordinator to help them optimize their recycling system and maximize the potential benefits of our service (e.g. cost savings, conservation of natural resources, and contributing to the development of a sustainable community). In addition, Thornton Iron & Metal Inc. strives to provide a work environment that is safe, fun and provides opportunities for its employees to grow on a personal and a work level.
Thornton Iron & Metal, Inc. was founded in 1974 by James Thornton. In 1990, James' son Mike Thornton purchased the business. What began as a small family business with only 3 employees and 1 location has grown into 45+ employees and 3 convenient locations serving North Alabama.
1974Family Owned Since
45+Employees
3Convenient Locations
CashImmediate Payment
Metals We Buy
All customers must have a valid state or federal ID (driver's license preferred). We do NOT accept any stolen materials! All salvage vehicles 12 years to current require a title. Anything older than 12 years will only require the VIN number to be run.
Items We Cannot Accept
- PCB capacitors or PCB capacitor bearing materials and items
- Mercury or any mercury bearing items
- Flammable, hazardous, toxic or radioactive materials
- Dirt, debris, trash, or any liquids (oil, paint, gas, water, propane, chemicals)
- Paint cans
- 55 gallon drums
- Gas tanks
- Oxygen cylinders
- Aerosol cans
- Fire extinguishers
- Any container under pressure or containing chemicals
- Electrical components or machinery containing capacitors, compressors, oil, fluids, or hydraulics
- Appliances or air conditioners that contain freon, capacitors, or compressors
- Live ammunition or explosive materials
- Computer monitors, keyboards, or microwaves
Thornton Iron & Metal, Inc.
Exports
Thornton Iron & Metal, Inc. exports all types of scrap metals and materials overseas to countries such as China, Japan, and India, including:
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Electric Motors
- Traction Motors
- Sealed Units
- Ballast
- Starters
- Alternators
- Stainless
- Steel
- CATv
- Brass
- Auto Radiators
- Copper Al Radiators
- Insulated Wire
- Copper Transformers
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring to sell scrap metal?
All customers must have a valid state or federal ID (driver's license preferred). For salvage vehicles 12 years old to current, you must have the title. Vehicles older than 12 years only require the VIN number to be run. We do not accept any stolen materials.
What types of scrap metal do you buy?
We buy both non-ferrous and ferrous metals, including copper, insulated copper wire, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, lead, zinc, nickel, titanium, batteries, electric motors, radiators, steel, cast iron, tin, structural steel, and large machinery. If it's made of metal, chances are we buy it.
How much do you pay for scrap metal?
Scrap metal prices change with the market, sometimes daily. We offer the most competitive pricing available in North Alabama and weigh every load on a public viewing scale, so there are no hidden numbers. Call us for today's prices on the metal you have.
Do you buy junk cars and old machinery?
Yes. We buy salvage cars, trucks, forklifts, farm equipment, and large machinery. Vehicles 12 years old to current require a title; older vehicles only require a VIN check. Ask us about towing options for vehicles and equipment that can't be driven in.
Do you offer containers or pickup service for businesses?
Yes. We provide pickup service for companies that generate scrap metal, including tractor trailers, flatbed trailers, open-top trailers, box vans, and roll-off trucks with 10, 20, 30, or 40 yard roll-off containers. We also offer boxes, pallets, and small containers for smaller volumes.
What items can you not accept?
We cannot accept hazardous, flammable, toxic, or radioactive materials, mercury or PCB-bearing items, sealed or pressurized containers (paint cans, drums, gas tanks, oxygen cylinders, aerosol cans, fire extinguishers), appliances containing freon, capacitors, or compressors, live ammunition, computer monitors, keyboards, or microwaves, or loads containing dirt, trash, or liquids.
Who can sell scrap metal at Thornton Iron & Metal?
Everyone. We're open to the public as well as businesses and institutions. Our convenient drive-through facility means you pull in, our fast and courteous employees help you unload, your material is weighed on a public scale, and you receive immediate cash payment.
What areas do you serve?
Our scrap yards in Rogersville, Town Creek, and Florence serve all of North Alabama, including Muscle Shoals, Killen, Athens, Decatur, and the surrounding Shoals area, as well as southern Tennessee. Commercial pickup, container, and demolition services are available across the region and beyond.